Sunday, September 2, 2012

Smyth, McKillop, McDonald take gold

Irish sprinter Jason Smyth stormed to a new world record of 10.46 when winning the T13 100m at the London Paralympics last night.
It was two world records in two days for the City of Derry clubman; a day ealrier he had run a time of 10.54 secs in the qualifying heats, improving on his own world record. Next up for the Smyth is the 200m, in which he is also the defending champion; heats on Rhursday September 6.

On a memorable night for the Irish, Michael McKillop was also in recording breaking form when he won the 800m (T37) in a stunning new time of 1.57.22. McKillop, a member of the St Malachy's club in Belfats, bided his time when Australia’s Brad Scott took the early leader and then took over as the pair appreached the bell for the second and final lap.

At the swimming pool, Wexford’s Darragh McDonald powered his way to gold in the 400m freestyle final.
The 18-year-old McDonald shaved a massive 7 seconds off his PB clocking a winning time of 4:55.56. The Gorey swimmer is a member of his local Asgard swimming club.